Luigi De Luca Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Luigi De Luca, born in Naples in 1857, came from a wealthy family that had suffered the confiscation of much of their assets as a result of the revolutionary uprisings of 1828. Despite the financial difficulties, he decided to pursue his passion for art and dedicated himself to sculpture. Read the full biography

Luigi De Luca Biography

Luigi De Luca, born in Naples in 1857, came from a wealthy family that had suffered the confiscation of much of their assets as a result of the revolutionary uprisings of 1828. Despite the financial difficulties, he decided to pursue his passion for art and dedicated himself to sculpture. He studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Naples under the guidance of Stanislao Lista, who immediately recognized his artistic talent. He made his debut at the exhibition in Rome in 1883 with the work "Lalla," inspired by Zola's "L'Assommoir." His career led him to exhibit in Milan, Turin, and various national and international shows, receiving awards and recognition. In 1900, he became a sculpture teacher at the Institute of Fine Arts in Urbino, and later a professor at the Academy of Naples. Among his most famous works are the bronze groups on the staircase of the Palazzo della Borsa in Naples, the bust of Domenico Martuscelli in Piazza Dante, and the statue of Gian Battista Vico in Rome. His bronze portraits and statuettes, with symbolist influences, reflected the Italian nouveau artistic climate of the early 20th century. Among his works preserved in important museums and art galleries are the head of "Sappho" in Rome and the sculptures "Ad Murenas" and "Slave for Sale" at Capodimonte. De Luca was also the author of sculptures in the monuments to the fallen in war of several Italian municipalities, testifying to his civic and artistic commitment. His son, Giulio De Luca, followed in his footsteps becoming a renowned architect and urban planner. A member of the Masonic Order Le Droit Humain, Luigi De Luca was an artist of great talent and sensitivity, he died in Naples in 1938.